Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress that has been made to convert the Money Advice and Budgeting Service into a strengthened personal debt management agency with strong legal powers and a quasi-judicial status; when the body will become a reality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22241/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 52 independent MABS companies operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country, with national support provided by the MABS NDL. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and the MABS website can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie . Some 90% of clients presenting to MABS are assisted through the telephone helpline, which provides assisted self-help to ensure clients take steps to assess and address their situation.

Responsibility for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) transferred to the Citizens Information Board (CIB) in 2009 to provide strong management support to the local voluntary MABS companies. As part of the ongoing review of its services the Board have put a new organisational structure in place, since April 2011, which enables CIB regional managers to get a greater insight into the nature of supports required by MABS companies on the ground to deliver an effective service.

The CIB recently submitted a position paper setting out options for the future shape of MABS taking into consideration commitments in the Programme for Government and recommendations contained in the final reports of the Law Reform Commission on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement, and the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt. This paper is currently under consideration.

In addition, The Citizens Information Board and the Department are also engaged with the Department of Justice and Equality concerning their plans for reform of personal insolvency law, and the role of MABS, in the context of the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission.

I am satisfied that MABS will continue to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.

Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
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Question 359: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the sum of any public funds and their purpose which have been awarded by her Department either directly or indirectly to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade. [22269/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The amount of expenditure incurred by this Department in relation to payments to the Irish Business and Employers Confederation in the past decade is set out in the table.